Women at the Swedbank Tallinn Marathon – participation is growing every year!

Marathon – more women are taking on the challenge!

 

Men still make up the majority of full marathon runners, but women’s participation is rising every year! In 2022, women accounted for just 23% of marathon participants. As of the 2025 registrations so far, this number has increased to 30%!

 

This upward trend shows that more and more women are embracing the ultimate challenge of the 42.195 km distance. Women are proving they are just as determined to take on long distances, aligning with global trends where gender balance in major marathons continues to improve.

 

Half Marathon – nearing to 50 – 50!

 

The half marathon is where the gender balance is closest. In 2022 and 2023, women made up 40% of participants. Now, in 2025, the number has risen to 49%! This means we could see an equal number of male and female runners—or even a female majority—for the first time.

 

Women’s participation in half marathons has been growing worldwide. In the U.S., women often make up more than 60% of half marathon runners, while in Europe, the percentage varies between 40-49% but continues to rise. This growth is likely driven by greater awareness of healthy lifestyles, improved access to female-focused training programs, and the half marathon’s reputation as a balanced yet achievable challenge.

 

10 km & 5 km – women lead the way!

 

While men still dominate the longer distances, women are firmly in control of the shorter ones!

 

• 10 km: Women make up 61% of participants, a trend that has remained stable in recent years.
• 5 km Nike Youth Run: 66% of participants are girls! This youth-focused race allows young runners to feel confident, test their limits, and simply enjoy running in the heart of Tallinn. The strong turnout among young female participants highlights that the joy of movement is truly inspiring the next generation!

 

Virtual Race – women are leading the way!

 

The Virtual Race Combo allows participants to complete the full marathon distance (42.2 km) in segments throughout September. Here, female participation has been impressively high:

 

• 2023: 72% of participants were women.
• 2025: Currently at 62%, but women still hold a clear majority.

 

Virtual races offer the flexibility to choose the time, location, and pace—without time pressure or the hustle of a mass start. These factors likely contribute to why more women prefer virtual racing, as it allows for a more personalized and adaptable running experience.

 

Swedbank Tallinn Marathon – together on the course, together at the finish line!

 

Every year, the Tallinn Marathon unites thousands of runners, and the current 2025 participation data shows near gender balance—52% men vs. 48% women! No matter the pace, distance, or experience level, once we step onto the course, we are all part of the same incredible running community, supporting and motivating each other every step of the way.

 

What does this mean for women’s running—and how does it connect to Women's Day?

 

The participation trends at Tallinn Marathon prove that women are making their mark in the running world! Just 10–15 years ago, female representation in marathon races was much lower, but today, women are strongly present at every distance—and are leading in the shorter ones.

 

As we approach International Women’s Day, this is an inspiring message: running and sports are for everyone, and it’s not about the distance—it’s about the joy of movement!

 

Will 2025 be the first year where women outnumber men at the Swedbank Tallinn Marathon? Will female participation in the marathon distance continue to grow? Only time will tell—but the trends are looking promising!

 

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